Military Student Programs
GI Bill Online BAH or Basic Allowance for Housing
If you are receiving Post 9/11 GI Bill ® funding while attending school full time, you may be eligible for a tax-free Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), also called a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA). This allowance is based on your rate of pursuit (of graduation) and your award percentage. You should review your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to locate your award percentage.
Did you know? Online courses are rated differently than in-person courses for housing benefits. If you are only in online classes and you are attending full time, you may be eligible to receive half the national average housing allowance or BAH for online classes.
Post 9/11 GI Bill Housing Allowances FAQ
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Post 9/11 GI Bill Monthly Housing Allowance.
What is the Monthly Housing Allowance?
The MAH is a monthly benefit that is paid to students while attending under the Post 9/11 GI Bill. It is based on the zip code of the school unless it is online or a foreign school. As of October 1, 2018, the Veteran will receive a maximum $825 per month.
When does the VA send BAH payments?
MHA payments are issued at the beginning of the month for training that occurred during the prior month. As an example, payments for courses taken in January will be issued by Veterans Affairs (VA) in February, assuming timely enrollment certification by the school and processing by the VA.
What is the difference between MHA and BAH?
“Post-9/11 BAH” and “MHA” are often used in the same way. The terms refer to the same thing in regards to the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Is the Post-9/11 BAH paid over winter break?
Post 9/11 GI Bill BAH is paid during those periods the Veteran is actively enrolled in their Program.
Is the GI Bill housing allowance ever increased or decreased?
Yes. Currently the online BAH is not to exceed $825 per month starting October 1, 2018.
Whom should I ask if I have questions about payments?
If you have any questions about GI Bill payments, submit your questions to the VA portal.
Additional Resources for Military Students
If you are looking for more information regarding military-affiliated students, please see our other pages: